Senior Privacy Lawyer

Role Summary/Purpose of Job 

We are seeking an experienced Senior Privacy Lawyer to join our Firm’s Privacy Office in London. This pivotal role involves acting as a trusted advisor to the firm’s practice groups and business services teams on data protection compliance matters. You will be instrumental in delivering data protection compliance and advice to internal stakeholders, supporting the firm’s global data protection obligations.

About Freshfields & Our Legal Department 

Freshfields is a leading international law firm. Our Legal Department, comprising both qualified lawyers and non-lawyers, is dedicated to managing the firm’s risk exposure and providing essential advice on a range of legal and compliance issues. We support the firm in the effective management of regulatory, legal, operational, and information security risks to preserve and maximise its long-term value. Our vision is to be recognised as a leader among comparable elite law firms, delivering excellent, commercial, and empathetic service, and constantly adapting to business changes and threats.

Key Responsibilities 

As a Senior Privacy Lawyer, your responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with the Senior Privacy Manager and Global DPO on various privacy operational workstreams, such as data subject rights requests, data incidents, and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).

• Reviewing, preparing, and advising on data protection agreements, including standard contractual clauses, transfer impact assessments, and associated documentation.

• Supporting the Legal Department in providing advice to lawyers within the firm’s practice groups concerning global data protection obligations.

• Assisting the Global DPO in delivering compliance priorities, projects, and initiatives.

• Staying abreast of privacy law developments and practice in the UK, EU, and other jurisdictions where the firm operates.

• Contributing to the delivery of compliance projects, drafting templates, DPIAs, and training.

Key Requirements

Essential:

• Senior Privacy Lawyer, qualified in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction.

• Relevant post-qualification experience gained either in-house or in private practice.

• Detailed knowledge and application of data protection laws in the UK, EU, and other jurisdictions where the firm operates.

• Solid knowledge of IT, cyber-security, and emerging technologies; experience with IT supplier due diligence, contracting, and implementation.

• Ability to work independently, lead, and influence in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain trust and credibility at all levels.

Desirable:

• German language skills.

• IAPP (CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT) or similar privacy certification.

• Experience with legal tech and/or AI.

Competencies 

The ideal candidate will:

• Thrive in an environment that capitalises on a strong teamwork culture.

• Apply pragmatic commercial thinking, identifying workable solutions that align with the Firm’s regulatory/legal obligations and business priorities.

• Demonstrate ingenuity and build a reputation as an efficient solution enabler.

• Possess excellent communication skills, distilling complex privacy concepts clearly and succinctly, in layman’s terms where necessary.

• Be able to establish seamless working relationships across the Firm.

• Seek to understand and demonstrate solid understanding of local, cultural, client, practice group, strategic, or market-specific nuances.

• Not shy away from complex tasks or proactively taking on responsibility and assisting other team members.

• Confidently balance working independently with an appropriate degree of autonomy, alongside transparent communication and co-operation with team members.